Felix Wong Final Call In and Post-Race Thoughts (2 calls)

Hi this Felix Wong calling on Friday, July llth at 8:23 am. Yesterday when I departed Silver City at 4 AM, I was expecting a great day but it certainly did not come in the morning. When I reached the very sandy trail, there was yet another monsoon, pouring rain, lots of fog. I was making very slow progress even though my legs were feeling good. The low point was certainly when I swore I was lost and off course because I was not seeing a number of landmarks noted on the map. As it turned out I was actually on course, but for me to figure that out I had to backtrack 3 ½ miles until I encountered a windmill and corrals which were enshrouded in fog earlier in the morning. That was actually quite a joyous moment for me but means that I lost about an hour or hour and half by needlessly backtracking. When I got to pavement it was another moment of joy, from there, which was about another 70 miles, I pretended it was time trail in say a half-ironman triathlon. I just cranked away, pretty much did not stop even though it was another monsoon, which this time at least I was on payment it did not bother me. All it did, it helped clean up my bike for photos. It did result in yet another squeaky chain. Because I has used all of my chain lube in the morning thinking it would be me to the end I resorted to using the oil of Vitamin E capsules to lubricate my chain for the last 30 miles, thereby becoming the first Tour Divide racer to feed his bicycle vitamins. Probably the first cyclist in the world to do so. That is how much I love my bike. Anyhow here I am. I’m in Antelope Wells. I actually arrived yesterday, Thursday, July 10th at 8:37 p.m. I was filled with …………….

(recorder time: 2008-07-11 09:28:08 EST)

This is Felix Wong with my final thoughts. Once again I arrived here in Antelope Wells on Thursday, July 10th at 8:37 p.m. Meaning that I finished in 27:10:37. I am still in disbelief that I’ve made it. Actually we made it. When Kevin Hall decided to go back to his family in Whitefish, I swore that I would be riding for the two of us. Here we are Kevin, we mad e it to the Mexico Border. I was also riding for everyone who has supported this cause. Either writing messages of support to help keep me going. I really want to thank you for that. I want to thank especially my friend Tori who was reading messages to me, giving me updates, offering unwavering support. My mom, dad and family. My friends from Fort Collins, CO and all over the nation. Of course, the other Tour Divide racers, those in front of me or in back of me who were a joy to see even though I really only seen a few of them after the first day at least. Everyone thank you so much. It was an amazing journey. Again, I’m still digesting what has transpired. It has been epic. It has been an honor to be a part of the inaugural Tour Divide. It is highly unlikely in my life time I will be part of something quite so exciting, challenging, long but beautiful as well. Thanks again and I may call back with some more final thoughts.

(recorder time: 2008-07-11 09:34:10 EST)